BU Men’s Soccer Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive With Win Against Army

While five seniors were honored before the game during Senior night at Nickerson Field on Saturday, a Junior came through for the Terriers, scoring the teams’ only goal in their 1-0 win over the Army Black Knights and keeping the Terriers’ postseason dreams alive.

Anthony Viteri booted in a grounder inside the right box off a through ball from Senior David Amirani in the 49th minute to give the Terriers their fourth win in five games, propelling them three spots in the standings into the 5th spot in the Patriot League, and giving them 11 points on the year.

BU leapfrogged Lafayette, Bucknell (10 points each) and Lehigh (9 points) in the standings. The top six teams in the Patriot League make the postseason tournament.

As for the game, The Terriers had plenty of chances to score early but couldn’t capitalize. BU’s Matt McDonnell had a shot go just wide from about seven feet out in the 3rd minute on a one-on-one with Army goalkeeper Justin Stoll.

In the 36th minute, Felix De Bona, after dribbling by two defenders, missed wide-right when Stoll ran out of the net to pressure De Bona. The Terriers finished with just four shots on goal.

The seniors honored before the game were David Asbjornsson, Peter Brodeur, Noah Sinkoff, Mark Wadid and David Amirani. Amirani’s assist led to Viteri’s eventual game winning goal.

Before the game, The Terriers’ posted pictures in their locker room of all the seniors when they were five years old to remind them of the passion they had when they were younger.

And it worked.

“They’re [the Seniors] unbelievable,” said Viteri. “Fantastic.”

Goalkeeper Matt Gilbert — another senior — was stellar Saturday, and was the primary reason for the Terriers shutout. Gilbert is a 5th year redshirt senior and was honored with his class during last years’ ceremonies.

This was Gilbert’s fourth shutout in five games and sixth of the season. The Madison, NJ native is arguably the biggest reason for the Terriers’ recent hot streak.

“He’s playing the way we were hoping he’d play the whole year,” said Head Coach Neil Roberts. “I’m happy for him that he’s showing what a really good goalkeeper he is.”

Gilbert recorded one save early in the first half , and didn’t get tested again until the 78th minute when he stopped three Black Knight shots in a nine-minute span. He finished with four saves for the game.

Army’s best look was in the 2nd minute when Tanner Vosvick had a one-on-one attempt with Gilbert, but Terrier defender Mark Wadid slid behind Vosvick and kicked it away.

Penalties played a big part in the game, as BU was called for 16 fouls and Army was called for 7. The Terriers finished with three yellow cards, with Army collecting two.

All that matters for the Terriers is the win, which means they control their own destiny for the postseason. A win next Friday and they’re in the PL tournament.

BU’s next and last regular season opponent? The last place Navy Midshipmen at Nickerson Field at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Coach Roberts says the key for the Terriers in that game is simply capitalizing on their chances. “I think we have to finish,” said Roberts. “If we can finish our chances, it will make life easier.”

After the game, Viteri repeated the words “Big teams come up in big times.” Viteri also added, “[This win] shows we’re a great team and in the beginning of the season we weren’t showing it with the results, but we’re on a roll, so just keep it going”.

Colgate, Lafayette, Bucknell and Lehigh have one game remaining while Army and Holy Cross have two games left.